Jimmy Lee Hunsaker

Jimmy Lee Hunsaker, 82, of Hidalgo, IL, entered heaven's gates peacefully on Thursday, May 5, 2022.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday May 10, 2022, at 10:00 am at the Barkley Funeral Chapel in Greenup, IL. Visitation will be on Monday May 9, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Barkley Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in the Aten Cemetery, rural Hidalgo.

Jim was born on May 12, 1939, to Byrl and Evelyn Hunsaker in Hidalgo, IL.  Jim married the love of his life, Kay Grissom on August 2, 1957, and they were married for 61 blissful years. God blessed Jim with a son, Jim (Kim) Hunsaker, Jr. of Hidalgo, IL, grandchildren Jordan Leigh and Caleb Lee (deceased), Ashley Kaytlin (Doug) Jansen of Effingham, IL, Austin Lee (DeeDee) Hunsaker of Hidalgo, IL, and Avery Kyle (Jordon) Hunsaker of Newton, IL; great-grandchildren, Emery Kayt, August Samuel, Bennett Lee and Theodore Douglas Jansen; Alayna Lee and Kate Marie Hunsaker; Paisley Parker and Avery Kay Hunsaker; special friend Lilly Chapman. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, wife Kay and grandchildren Jordan and Caleb Hunsaker.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Jim loved his family fiercely. He and Kay could be found at every sporting event or activity that their grandchildren were in, and he cherished all the hugs, artwork and laughs his great-grandchildren brought him. Jim coached baseball for many years; he and Kay swore that those were some of the happiest years of their lives. Jim worked for over 20 years at both McQuay–Norris in Casey, IL and Petty’s in Effingham, IL. For many years, Jim and Kay toured the country on their motorcycle with friends and met many wonderful people. Jim enjoyed mowing his yard (and any other yard in Hidalgo that might have needed it for that matter), grilling pork burgers for his grandkids and watching Andy Griffith reruns with his son close by. He was a believer of hugs at the door, had a contagious smile and anyone who ever met him fell in love with his charming and friendly personality instantly.

Jim taught his family and friends many life lessons. His work ethic was unmatched; through it he taught his family the character traits of discipline, dedication, and goodwill. His marriage to Kay was beautiful; he always put her happiness above his own, and their relationship was a perfect example of selfless, adoring, and unending love. His commitment to his loved ones, friends, and family, was unwavering; he was always just a short drive or long phone call away. His deep faith in God was a blessing; he continued to bless those around him until his final days and he will continue to bless them as he watches over them from his home in Heaven.  Everyone believes theirs is the best, but Jim truly was the best father, grandfather, husband, and friend. Jim’s family is thankful for every opportunity they had to make so many cherished memories with him. There will never be enough hugs, kisses and “love ya’s”, but what he instilled in them will carry on for generations to come. 

He was the Secretary Treasurer for the Village of Hidalgo for over 50 years and was a volunteer Firefighter on the Hidalgo Fire Department for many years. Jim was a past Deacon for both the Casey Baptist Church and the Hidalgo Baptist Church and he was a member of the Newton Masonic Lodge 216.  Memorials may be made to the Hope Food Pantry, Hidalgo, IL.  Online condolences can be expressed at www.barkleyfuneralchapels.com

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